Joseph McCuen

Joseph M. McCuen, 87, died peacefully at home, in Ponte Vedra Beach, on Monday, May 9, 2016, after a brief illness.

A native of Oklahoma City, Joe entered the Navy in 1948, and spent a 20-year career as a Navy musician. While in the naval service, he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, majoring in organ and musicology. Following his retirement from active duty in 1968, he was named Assistant Director of Musical Activities at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. An accomplished musician, he directed the Naval Academy Glee Club and the Catholic Chapel Choir, as well as a wide variety of musical activities with the midshipmen.

After moving to Jacksonville / Ponte Vedra Beach, circa 1970, he earned a second Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Public Administration from Nova University. He worked at various occupations, including Assistant Dean of Fine Arts at Jacksonville University; Navy Recruiting; Parish Administrator at Christ Episcopal Church; and Public Administration at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. And then there was always the music! He served as organist, choirmaster, and music director at churches of Christian denominations, including Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, and Christ Episcopal Church; and also at Congregation Ahavath Chesed. He never did completely retire. Most recently, he was the organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia Bragg McCuen; daughter, Cara Crane McCuen; and cousin, William (Doris) McCuen. He was predeceased by his parents, Anzelle B. and Joseph C. McCuen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Joseph at 2pm on Wednesday, May 18th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Northeast Florida Community Hospice. www.communityhospice.com.